This Day in Keeneland History: October 11

Oct. 11, 1936: More than 15,000 people attend an open house at Keeneland held primarily to introduce the public to the new totalizator, the first to be installed in Kentucky. Keeneland will open its inaugural race meet four days later.

Oct. 11, 1984: Queen Elizabeth II visits Keeneland for the first Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, won by Happy Valley Farm’s Sintra. Keith Allen rides the winner for trainer Steven Penrod. To accommodate the queen, per the wishes of her security team, Keeneland built a Winner’s Circle in which she makes the trophy presentation. During her visit, the queen also watches a mock sale of a Thoroughbred in the Sales Pavilion and meets members of the jockey colony.

Oct. 11, 1998: Racing Hall of Famer Silverbulletday wins the Alcibiades (G1) (now the Grade 1, $500,000 Darley Alcibiades won by Dancing Rags on Oct. 7). She will win the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland the following April.

Oct. 11, 2013: Keeneland sets a record attendance for a Friday during the Fall Meet when 22,807 fans are at the track for seeblue. Day at the Races.